Due to a collaboration between the Lithuanian air navigation service provider, ORO Navigacija, and HungaroControl, we are delighted to welcome two experienced air traffic controllers into our team: Ligita Jončienė and Laura Indrašiūtė. Their temporary assigment significantly enahnces our capability in overseeing air traffic in Kosovo’s upper airspace, thereby alleviating the burden on our colleagues caused by continuously increasing overflying traffic. We have conducted an interview with Ligita and Laura, in which they discuss their personal motivations for accepting this deployment, their expectations regarding this role, and provide some insights into their professional backgrounds and personal intrests.

First of all, let me also welcome you to HungaroControl. Thanks for accepting my invitation for an interview. Please, briefly introduce yourselves. What is your professional background? How long have you been working as an air traffic controller?

Laura: To become an air traffic controller in Lithuania, a university degree is required. I studied for five years and graduated with a master’s degree in the field. After graduation, I started working for the Lithuanian air navigation service provider. Initially, I was not employed as an air traffic controller, but in air navigation and information service department. It took me a few years to become an area air traffic controller, but I have been working as an ATC for eight years now. My interest in this role was piqued at the age of 14, following a tour of a division of the Lithuanian military. There, I learned about the job and found it intriguing. I conducted research on the educational requirements for this position, and I deliberately chose this specialisation at university.

Ligita: I earned a master’s degree in transportation engineering. Following graduation, I had to wait for an opening in the position of air traffic controller. During my studies, I had already started working as a pseudopilot in the training center, while simultaneously holding the position of flight support duty officer for an airliner. I therefore remained closely connected to the aviation industry, and in 2013 was offered the opportunity to commence my career as an air traffic controller. I had always aspired to become an area air traffic controller, but at the outset I was required to start as a tower approach controller. However, after three years I was finally able to assume the role of an area air traffic controller.

Laura, you indicated that you became aware of the air traffic controller position at the age of 14. Could you please expand on what led you to pursue a career in the aviation industry?

Laura: I have always been drawn to traditionally non-feminine vocations. I have given considerable thought to the possibility of undertaking military service, but when I became familiar with the duties and responsibilities of an air traffic controller, I found the role particularly appealing. Controlling and monitoring flights represented a significant challenge for me, which made me realise that this was a career path I wanted to pursue.

Ligita, how would you describe your first encounter with the aviation industry?

Ligita: It was a complete accident, as neither I nor any family member has aviation background. I do not remember when that happened, but I recall hearing about the air traffic controller role and conducting a research on it. I was immediately drawn to the role due to my long-standing fascination with the transportation and logistics industry. It is impressive how complex systems, such as the aviation industry, are organised to work efficiently and smoothly. I believe this is due to my problem-solving mindset.

Please describe the aspects of your chosen profession that you find most appealing.

Laura: I appreciate the variety that each day brings and the unique challenges that arise. I also value the flexibility to approach similar situations in different ways and the opportunity to find my own solutions to some issues. I am pleased to say that I thoroughly enjoy my role.

Ligita: I derive great deal of satisfaction from the process of decision-making. It would be more accurate to state that I love the challenge of resolving conflicts by applying complex rules. I also value the opportunity to learn and grow on a daily-basis. It is evident that one cannot remain at the same level of expertise from the outset. There is a constant need to develop and adapt, and to embrace new knowledge and skills.

Is there anything about your role that you dislike?

Ligita: I think it is fair to say that in most professions there are instances of disagreement or misunderstanding. However, these issues are very rare and not always directly related to work. I can’t think of anything else at the moment.

Laura: Well, me neither. I am entirely satisfied with every aspect of my job.

Can you recall a challanging traffic situation you have had to deal with or a noteworthy moment that occured during your service?

Laura: The most recent noteworthy event for me was the NATO summit in 2023. It was a significant undertaking, requiring extensive planning, preparation and coordination. It involved numerous foreign delegations and heads of state, as well as the movement of numerous aircraft. It was a complex operation, but very interesting.

Ligita: In the ordinary course of business, there is always a challenging situation. When I resolve it in an efficient and effective manner, that always fills me with satisfaction. For instance, I enjoy working with fighter jets. The responsibility of maintaining the aircraft’s performance and safety is highly rewarding, not to mention that you are given a „personal airshow”.

What made you decide to join HungaroControl? What are your motivations?

Ligita: Mainly curiosity. I wanted to experience working in a new company and immerse myself in a different culture. The opportunity to broaden my professional network and gain diverse perspectives also motivated me. Additionally, I saw it as a chance to challenge myself and grow both personally and professionally.

Laura: Curiosity was a significant factor for me as well. I viewed this cooperation between our companies as a unique opportunity to try something new in a different environment. Such chances are rare because moving abroad often means cutting ties with your home country. However, in this case, after the expiration of my contract with Hungarocontrol, I can easily return to Lithuania and resume my normal, everyday life without any difficulties.

Do you consider your employment with HungaroControl as an opportunity for a professional development?

Laura: Working with HungaroControl presents numerous opportunities to learn new things that I did not encounter in my previous roles. The different environment and unique challenges here offer a fresh perspective and help broaden my skill set. Additionally, the ability to compare different operational practices enhances my understanding and adaptability, ultimately contributing to my professional growth. This experience allows me to develop a more comprehensive view of the industry and apply innovative solutions in my future endeavors.

Ligita: This employment allows me to demonstrate my abilities, and it does not only boost my confidence but also helps me make a meaningful contribution to the success of my home and host organizations. Moreover, it keeps my mind actively engaged and challenged, fostering continuous professional growth.

What are your expectations regarding your stay at HungaroControl and in Hungary? I am aware that you have recently arrived to Hungary, thus it is maybe to early to ask, but I will do it anyway: what is your first impression?

Ligita: My initial impression is very positive. My objective is to complete the preparatory course successfully so that I can transition into my role smoothly and without undue stress. My goal is to perform my job efficiently and to enjoy my role. Additionally, I look forward to adapting to the different surroundings and gaining valuable insights from this opportunity.

Laura: In essence, I hope everything goes smoothly and that we can contribute to HungaroControl’s success. I feel warmly welcomed by the company and future collegues, everyone is making an effort to ensure we feel at home and safe. The atmosphere is quite inviting, and the city itself is charming and not drastically different from what I am accustomed to. This familiarity makes settling in easier and enhances my overall experience during my stay at HungaroControl and in Hungary.

Is this your first encounter with HungaroControl? Have you visited us before?

Laura: No, we have never visited HungaroControl prior to our engagement.

It is early to ask, but what do you think, how different is working at Hungarocontrol is to what you have been doing at Oro Navigacija?

Ligita: From what I have observed so far, working at HungaroControl differs primarily in terms of the airspace structure, local procedures and agreements that govern operations here. Despite these variations, the overarching framework adheres to EU regulations, which maintains a consistency in the general rules. Therefore, the overall work environment does not feel entirely unfamiliar. In fact, the operational system itself is quite recognizable, only minor differences exist.

Laura: I completely agree with Ligita. The core navigation principles are the same. Nuanced differences exist that require adaptation and understanding to effectively navigate and integrate into the new environment. It will take some time to get familiar with those, but they do not represent a serious obstacle.

You are attending a preparatory course, which will enable you to work independently in the KFOR sector. What is the structure of the course?

Laura: The course is structured in several stages: we cover theoretical topics, followed by excercises on the simulator. Currently, we are focusing on essential concepts like local agreements, which are essential for the KFOR sector. Subsequently, we will proceed to practice on the simulator. Finally, we will have on-the-job training in the actual position.

Does the fact that you will handle flights from a far distance intrigues you? Do you find working in the KFOR sector interesting?

Ligita: It is indeed unconventional to control airspace from a remote location. However, from the professional standpoint, the situation is the same. Familiarity with the area and comprehensive knowledge of the relevant procedures enable us to manage flights similarly to how we would do int the Lithuanian or Hungarian upper airspace, for example. While the technological aspect is impressive, from our operational perspective, it does not significantly alter our approach.

Laura: I agree. Nevertheless, although the technology allows for remote management, the job remains intriguing due to the challenges and responsibilities involved in overseeing the KFOR sector.

Let’s talk a little about your personal interests. What do you do in your spare time?

Ligita: In my spare time, I have a deep love for nature and enjoy exploring the outdoors whenever I can. I find solace in nature’s beauty and often seek out new places to hike or simply relax in natural surroundings. Reading is another passion of mine, and my choice of books varies depending on my mood; from classics to non-fiction and recently, I have been delving into a lot of sci-fi literature. Aside from exploring and reading, I have developed quite a skill in crochet. I enjoy creating toys and other handmade items. However, my creative pursuits have taken a back seat lately due to my responsibilities caring for a toddler. Balancing these interests with parenting has been a rewarding challenge, and I look forward to finding more time for my hobbies as my child grows.

Laura: I have a variety of hobbies that I enjoy. Spending time in nature is a passion of mine, and I have recently taken up foraging, particularly with herbs to make tea. Traveling is another love of mine, and I make it a priority to explore whenever possible, I often planning trips spontaneously. Additionally, I have a keen interest in photography, capturing moments in nature and other subjects that inspire me during my travels.

Are you planning to explore Hungary?

Laura: Of course. I enjoy exploring different cities and countries by simply picking a destination on Google Maps and embarking on a road trip adventure, stopping wherever I found something intriguing. This is how I would like to do with Hungary as well.

Ligita: I realized that you have nice trails and mountains, so I hope that I will be able to discover them during my stay in Hungary.